Authority and power

Authority refers to the right or power to make decisions, give orders, and enforce rules. It is often associated with positions of leadership or expertise, such as a manager or a teacher. Authority can come from a variety of sources, such as a legal system, a social hierarchy, or personal charisma.

Power, on the other hand, refers to the ability to influence or control the behavior of others. It can be exercised through various means, such as coercion, persuasion, or manipulation. Power can be held by individuals or groups, and it can be exercised over a wide range of contexts, including personal relationships, organizations, and societies.

French and Raven’s five types of power are:

Coercive power: This type of power is based on the ability to punish or reward others in order to get them to comply with one’s wishes.

Reward power: This type of power is based on the ability to provide positive incentives, such as rewards or privileges, to others in order to get them to comply with one’s wishes.

Legitimate power: This type of power is based on the belief that an individual has the right to make decisions and give orders because of their position or role in an organization or society.

Expert power: This type of power is based on the belief that an individual has specialized knowledge or skills that make them an authority on a particular subject.

Referent power: This type of power is based on an individual’s personal charisma and ability to inspire loyalty and admiration in others.